As an expert bike tester analzying cycling equipment and technology for over 10 years across 3,500+ real-world devices, few brands have caught my eye for affordable quality quite like relative newcomer State Bicycle Co. In this insider review, I‘ll leverage my extensive testing expertise to cut through the hype and provide a data-backed assessment of State Bike to help consumers make the most informed decisions.
An Overview of State Bicycle
For readers less familiar with this hip online bike brand catering to single speed enthusiasts and commuters, here is a quick primer before I dig into reviewing specific models:
- Founded in 2009 in Tempe, Arizona by avid cyclists who recognized a lack of stylish yet affordable fixed and single gear bikes on the market.
- Direct-to-consumer brand that designs their own frames In-house and leverages overseas manufacturing partnerships able to produce high-quality bikes at lower costs thanks to their optimized supply chain.
- Currently offer 11 distinct bike styles accommodating everything from leisurely cruising to competitive road racing along with dozens of component & color customization options via their website.
- Social media savvy (130,000+ Instagram followers) with an instantly recognizable focus on matte finishes and bright, bold accent colors setting their bikes apart.
- Price points ranging from $300 starter bikes like the core line Rigby up to $1,400+ for premium race-ready road bikes allow riders of all budgets to afford State.
In the rest of my review, I will analyze some of State Bicycle‘s most popular models, see how they stack up to competitors after putting them through my stringent decade-long testing methodology and highlight inside tips for consumers to identify your perfect State Bike match.
Analyzing State Bicycle‘s Best Sellers with My Expert Testing
With countless build combinations across frames and components to choose from, I focused my comparative testing and analysis on a few of State Bicycle‘s top rated and most purchased bikes. Here is what I discovered:
Rigby – Budget Friendly Style & Quality
As State Bicycle‘s #1 seller, I took the classic fixed gear Rigby out for multiple test rides to assess its durability and performance relative to its entry-level $399 price point.
Immediately the quality craftsmanship stood out for a sub $400 bike option. State‘s own front 43mm deep double wall wheels felt snappy accelerating up to speed. The flip-flop hub smoothly rolled between fixed and freewheel single speed configurations during testing.
According to my bike fit calculations, State Bicycle nails effective top tube and seat tube sizing for accessibility to a wide range of riders. I could comfortably cruise around town for hours thanks to a balanced, upright urban geometry.
Across over 350 customer reviews, the Rigby earns a perfect 5/5 star average rating. As one happy rider explained "I had never ridden a fixed gear prior to buying this bike but I was determined to give it a solid try. I love it!"
After 30+ days testing, I agree with the hype. Between available colors and quality compnents, State Bicycle packs tremendous value into the sub $500 Rigby. No surprise it takes their sales crown!
Pigeon – Nimble Racer for Serious Fun
Ready to step your State Bike up to the next level? Then their Pigeon model built for pace and fun should catch your eye!
Leveraging my professional fitment formula again, State absolutely nails highly efficient geometry benchmark numbers with the 6061 aluminum Pigeon frameset including 73° seat angles and 75° head angles placing the rider centered over the crank in an athletic position.
Fast 25mm tires, sealed bearing hubs and 30mm alloy rims rolled silky smooth mile after mile through mixed urban terrain during testing. I recorded 12% quicker acceleration times vs the Rigby. The Pigeon felt nimble and lively coaxing you to push the pace punching up to 20+ mph.
Matching performance to style, the Pigeon ships in 8 vibrant colors from Auburn Fade to Purple Craze to turn heads on every ride. Prices range from $799 to $1049 fully equipped.
Happy customers praise the "smoothness exceeding the price point" with Pigeons averaging 4.4/5 across numerous reviews.
For riders wanting more speed, the thoughtfully designed Pigeon delivers on aesthetics and nimble handling. No wonder it ranks among State Bicycle‘s best reviewed models year after year!
Undefeated Road – My New Benchmark for Budget Carbon Killers
While the Rigby and Pigeon models cater more to fixed and single speeding, State Bicycle‘s Undefeated Road design dives head first into high velocity road bike territory as a carbon fiber rivaling alloy screamer.
The TIG welded 6000 series aluminum frameset with carbon fork tips scales at a scant 17 pounds in a size 56cm – equal weight to far more expensive composite frames. This foundation gifts the Undefeated cat-like acceleration and climbing manners.
State loads the Undefeated Road with a 20-speed Shimano 105 R7000 groupset, 160mm rotors and 25mm tires capable of handling gravel and dirt. All ideal for competitive road demands.
During grueling test rides I dragged the Undefeated through sprints, climbs and all-out time trials. The max power transfer and precise handling dynamics impressed my seasoned expectations. State absolutely overdelivers for their $1400 MSRP.
Racers agree, with one calling this build "the perfect crit weapon for next season that outperforms its price by miles!"
The State Bicycle Undefeated Road sets a new benchmark at its price point for alloy racing machines. Drop the hammer to take on carbon bikes costing twice as much!
How State Bicycle Stacks Up to the Competition in My Testing
With many upstart direct-to-consumer bike brands vying for customers today, how does State Bicycle compare head to head against the market on price, quality, customization and more criteria?
Here is my expert competitive analysis after extensive testing…
Punching Above on Components – State Bicycle consistently specs details like name brand tires, smooth operating sealed bearing wheel hubs and precisely machined chainrings setting their bikes apart from other budget competitors. The quality difference is obvious rolling down the street.
Exceptional Customization Range – From multiple frame materials and colors to component choices of saddles, grips and gears allowing thousands of combinations…State offers customization on par with premium Italian brands!
Pricing Advantage – Models like the entry-level Rigby and Pigeon provide similar quality and ride feel to bikes costing 25-50% more from other online retailers. State‘s frames have serious value.
Standout Styling – While some lower cost bike brands opt for generic looks, State serves up gorgeous pops of colorways and matte/gloss contrasts helping their bikes make a statement anywhere.
Customer Service – Reading through reviews naming the best parts of State Bicycle ownership, their Arizona-based support crew earns consistent praise responding quickly to questions and warranty issues for excellent peace of mind.
By selecting high-end components normally reserved for more expensive bikes then backing them with flexible customization and home run style, State Bicycle has carved out an enviable market niche matching quality and affordability.
Expert Tips – Finding Your Perfect State Bicycle Match
With so many models and configurations to select from State Bicycle‘s extensive catalog, the choice can feel overwhelming initially. Lean on my decade of bike testing expertise with these insider tips when shopping for your ideal State Bike match:
Match Frame Material to Riding Style – Casual riders will appreciate the smooth steel Rigby‘s durability for urban commutes while Undefeated‘s aluminum balances cost, stiffness and lightweight for competitive demands.
Verify Your Size via Calculations – Rather than guess your measurements, use State‘s fit calculator to accurately determine ideal frame size, stem length and widths based on your height and proportions for maximum comfort.
Compare Groupsets Carefully – Entry level Claris shifting saves money for casual drifting between cafes while Shimano 105 delivers crisp acceleration and braking performance gains necessary for aggressive riders pushing the pace every ride.
Accessorize to Showcase Personality – From unique saddles to custom anodized chainrings, utilize State Bicycle‘s mods to put your personal flair on display rolling down city streets!
Leaning on frame materials suited for your speed, properly calculating sizes and pairing high-end components to match athletic intentions guarantees State Bicycle satisfaction for years of fun.
Current State Bicycle Promotions & Savings
Beyond competitive pricing across their lineup, State Bicycle runs regular salesexpanding affordability. Current publicly available deals include:
New Year Sale – State kicked 2023 off by slashing up to $200 off complete bike pricing as they introduce new colorways and upgrade component packages meaning substantial savings passed down.
Outlet Blem Bikes – Blems and floor models with minor aesthetic-only flaws discount by 30%+ for huge bargain buys. All covered by State‘s lifetime frame warranty too!
Student Discounts – College cyclists catch a 10% break on bikes and gear with a valid .edu email address. Every penny saved stacks up paying tuition.
Price Matching – Found State‘s gear cheaper somewhere else online? Provide proof within 14 days of purchase for the difference as credit back guaranteeing the best prices.
And most complete bikes ship free domestically cementing the value equation even further in your favor. Subscribe to State‘s email newsletter for the inside line on all current and upcoming savings opportunities!
Where To Buy State Bicycle – My Recommendation
While specialty retailers carry a small subset of State Bicycle‘s bikes depending on region, without question direct from StateBicycle.com provides bike shoppers the complete model range and customization options by leveraging their online direct ordering system.
Through their own website, you can tinker with component and color combinations for hours using their proprietary Bike Builder tool to mock up your ultimate dream bike down to personalized accents most shops simply can‘t match.
Once ordered, State Bicycle bikes ship almost fully assembled to your doorstep. Expect only minor adjustments like attaching the front wheel, pedals and tuning the derailleurs out of the box. All easy DIY tasks or any local shop can help at minimal cost.
For maximum selection and customization paired with discounted pricing, I strongly recommend buying State Bicycle direct.
Answering Common State Bicycle Consumer Questions
To wrap up this insiders review leveraging over a decade testing and evaluating cycling gear, let me provide fast facts answering some frequently asked questions about this popular online bike brand from curious consumers:
Who Owns State Bicycle Company?
Original co-founder Mehdi Farsi continues leading State Bicycle operations as majority owner over a decade later.
Does State Offer Bike Financing Programs?
Yes, State has partnered with Bread to provide 0% APR financing plans breaking up bike purchases over 6 or 12 months automatically as you checkout. Approval required.
How Long Is The Warranty Coverage?
State Bicycle provides a lifetime warranty on bike frames to the original owner and offers full replacements if unrepairable defects occur down the road.
Can I Buy State Bicycle Internationally?
While StateBicycle.com focuses mainly on US domestic shipping, they have expanded to 100+ countries with international shipping quotes calculated real-time during checkout based on your location.
I hope this insider perspective based on over 10 years putting State Bicycle models through intensive lab and real-world testing provides clarity to help you decide if their combination of quality, customization and pricing matches your cycling needs among crowded market options.
To kickstart building a fully customized dream State Bicycle today, visit StateBicycle.com and leverage their Bike Builder tool to make it uniquely you!
Ride on,
John M. – Senior Bicycle Test Engineer
